The Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has granted approval for the recruitment of agriculture extension officers and veterinary doctors.
This was as he also announced the setting up of model farm service centres across the zones and the purchase of motorcycles for Extension Officers for optimal delivery in the agric sector of the state.
The governor said the recruitment exercise will cover the 33 local government areas of the state.
Governor Makinde made these known while inaugurating the Oyo State Seed Coordinating Committee at an event held at the House Chiefs, Oyo State House of Assembly Complex, Secretariat, on Tuesday.
Makinde, who was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, noted that his administration recognises the importance of agriculture in driving economic growth, reducing poverty and boosting food production for the general well-being of residents of the state.
He added that the governor has empowered farmers through various programmes under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER), which was aimed at cushioning the effect of subsidy removal on petroleum products.
He explained that the relief programme, which started in November 2023, has seen the state distribute poultry feeds, fish feeds, piggery feeds, livestock feeds, disinfectants, insecticides, knapsack sprayers, bundles of cassava stems and fertilizers to farmers in addition to the vaccination of cattle against anthrax.
He equally noted that the administration had made available the sum of N1 billion as soft agricultural loans to farmers in the state, among other benefits.
According to Olasunkanmi, over 1,000 farmers in the state have benefitted from the 50 per cent tractorisation subsidy, with more than 6,000 acres of land ploughed for farmers, assuring that the tractorisation subsidy will continue in February 2025 to target 16,000 acres of land for the new farming season.
Speaking on the resuscitation of the Oyo State Seed Coordinating Committee, the commissioner noted that the aim was to revitalise agricultural productivity in order to ensure food security and improve the livelihood of farmers, as they will have access to high quality and improved seeds, information and technologies for boosting productivity and sustaining food security in the state.
The commissioner tasked members of the seed coordinating committee to discharge their duties and see to the boost in food production and agricultural yields.
He added that the committee is a body of experts and researchers, who are expected to bring critical information to the notice of farmers in Oyo State, while Extension Officers will take the information down to the farmers in the rural communities.
“The governor has graciously approved this new Committee to make it all-encompassing and with the objectives of seed multiplication extending to crop cultivation, livestock farming, agro-allied and other activities, which can affect agriculture positively.
“Also, it aims at producing quality certified seeds, inputs for farmers and increase in farm machines through the participation and collaboration of the private sector.
“So, as a member of this committee, you are hereby chosen for your expertise and dedication. Your role is crucial in enhancing seed quality both in crop and livestock production in improving fatness’s livelihood and promoting security.
“You are to promote food security by increasing agricultural production.
“Your committee has the liberty to co-opt experts from any other agencies of government in the local, state, federal, private, public, SMEs enterprises that have valuable contributions.”
In his goodwill message, the Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and member representing Ibarapa North/Central State Constituency in Oyo Assembly, Honourable Peter Ojedokun, commended Governor Makinde for his support to farmers.
Also in their separate goodwill messages, the Chairman, All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria, AFAN, Oyo State chapter, Mr Adewumi Abbas and the representative of Baale Agbe in Oyo State, Chief Akande Moshood, lauded the governor for his commitment to the progress of farmers through numerous support programmes.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Christiana Abioye said the committee, which comprises relevant stakeholders in the seed industry, is to plan and determine the state’s seeds requirement annually, encourage timely and effective seed distribution and other inputs to farmers.